ATTRACT natural predators like ladybirds into the garden by planting achillea or Queen Anne’s lace.

PRUNE and bin heavily infested stems and shoots to stimulate new growth.

Mixing home remedies

Insects are repelled by garlic and cayenne pepper, so use it to make a spray that can be applied to plants as often as needed.

Handle the solution carefully because capsaicin, the active ingredient in pepper, is a very powerful eye and skin irritant.

COMBINEsix unpeeled and crushed garlic cloves with one tablespoon of cayenne pepper in a clean bucket.

ADD a litre of warm water and stir the mixture well for one minute then cover the container and leave in a location out of direct sunlight, letting it stand for two days.

STRAIN the solution into a plastic spray bottle and use within 24 hours.

Spotting and treating infestations

Aphids usually attack soft, new young growth and can cluster unseen on the underside of leaves. Monitor plants throughout spring, checking the leaves for signs of aphid activity, and treat infestations immediately.

Herbs

PROBLEM Leaves are distorted, yellowing or sticky

SOLUTION Companion plant with nectar-rich species like scabiosa or sweet alyssum and include dill, fennel and chives to attract beneficial insects.

Vegetables

PROBLEMLeaves are curled, puckered or sticky

SOLUTION Spray insecticidal soap directly onto aphids. To make your own, mix two tablespoons of pure soap flakes in a litre of water.

Flowers

PROBLEM Insects cluster on buds and leaves are curled, distorted or yellowed

SOLUTION Apply a botanical insecticide such as neem, spraying the foliage in the early evening.

Shrubs

PROBLEM Distorted, sticky leaves.

SOLUTION Make a pepper and garlic spray for heavily infested foliage and use as needed. It will very effectively protect roses from both sucking insects and fungal issues.

Fruit trees

PROBLEM Leaves are misshapen and stunted

SOLUTION Prune off and dispose of infested leaves, stems and shoots then spray the tree with white oil, making sure to coat the pests.

Citrus species

PROBLEM Black insects cover new growth, leaves wither and buds drop

SOLUTION Prune affected shoots to encourage new, healthy growth and apply pyrethrum, also spraying it around the base of the tree.